U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins (D-Buffalo) is calling on the New York State Thruway Authority to take funds earmarked to "rehabilitate Buffalo Division Toll Booths" in 2018 and instead spend that money on bringing cashless tolls to the New York State Thruway.
"We shouldn't be investing three-quarters of a million dollars in the status quo" Said Higgins "Electronic tolling technology exists and is highly effective in other regions of the country and state."
Higgins and other local leaders are calling on the Thruway Authority to bring cashless tolls to the Thruway. Higgins says the technology has several benefits for Western New York
"The benefits are very clear and compelling. Environmental, economic and just in terms of convenience."
In a statement, A Thruway Authority Spokesperson tells Seven Eyewitness News
"As we have previously said, the goal is to move toward a cashless system along the entire Thruway, a project that will require significant investment and - unlike tolled bridges such as the ones in Grand Island - involves infrastructure alterations at the points of entry and exit along the Thruway. As the Congressman knows, this is something we are working toward and we are anxious to learn more about how the federal government is prepared to assist us.”
